Are you getting ready to buy your first home? It is important to know how much you can afford before you begin looking at properties. Talking with a lender and getting pre-approved for a loan puts you in a stronger negotiating position with sellers.

As a rule, your monthly housing costs should not exceed 28% of your monthly pre-tax income. These costs include the mortgage payment, real estate taxes, and insurance. If you have long-term debts, such as student loans or car payments, your monthly payments, including your housing costs, should be less than 36% of your pre-tax monthly income. Some loans, such as VA and FHA loans, are more flexible with these basic guidelines.

Depending on which type of mortgage you select, you can consider houses in various price ranges. An adjustable-rate mortgage will usually enable you to qualify for a higher loan amount. Your real estate agent can help you make the basic calculations. Remember that buying at the top end of your price range gives you more time to outgrow your home, and can save you money over the long term.

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The Antonelli Team
Keller Williams Realty
11700 Plaza America Drive
Suite 150
Reston, VA 20190
Chris Antonelli Direct: 703-474-1011
Fax: 703-679-1701
Email: Chris@TheAteamVA.com

Vince Antonelli began his real estate career in 1988 with the goal of making real estate as easy and stress free as possible for his clients. Thanks to his hard work and dedication his business has grown steadily over the years and in early 2005 his son Christopher joined him to ensure that all of their clients received maximum attention and support.

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